A Fijian rum produced by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has won an Innovation Award, four Platinum Awards and four Gold medals at the 2021 SIP Awards and Bartender Spirits Awards.

Heath Baker, Head of International Alcohol, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, said the recognition of Rum Co. of Fiji brands by trade and consumers in the US was an incredible moment for the team.

“These awards support our passion and vision to make Fiji known as the new home of rum,” he said. “We have built an excellent base in our home markets of Australia and the Pacific, and we see North America as our greatest long-term opportunity to embed this vision.”

The SIP Awards are the only internationally recognised spirits competition that sees consumers become the judges, and the Bartender Spirits Awards are judged by globally respected bartenders, bar managers and on-premise buyers for the on-premise industry.

In the SIP Awards the Fijian rum brand won:

• Ratu 8-Year Signature Rum Liqueur won an Innovation and Platinum ‘Best of Class’ Award
• Ratu 5-Year Dark Rum and Bati 2-Year White Rum both won exclusive Platinum ‘Best of Class’ Awards; and
• Ratu 5-Year Spiced Rum and Bati 2-Year Dark Rum both took out Gold Medals.

In the Bartender Spirits Awards the Fijian rum brand won:

• Ratu Signature Rum Liqueur, Ratu Spiced Rum and Bati White Rum took out three Gold medals, scoring highly across all aspects of judging: mixability, balance and versatility, taste, mouthfeel and finish, package, and price.

Lucy Dodgson, Brand Manager – International Alcohol, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, said: “Rum Co. of Fiji prides itself on having a versatile portfolio with broad trade and consumer appeal. We put a lot of emphasis on building bartender and consumer brand advocacy, so these awards are the ultimate seal of approval, and are further testament to Fiji being an exceptional and credible rum producing nation.”

Mike Spencer, General Manager, Paradise Beverages, acknowledged the hard work and passion from the team in Fiji.

“This is again wonderful recognition for all our people involved in the making of these exceptional rums, he said. “These wins serve to amplify Paradise Beverages’ vision of proudly sharing and exporting local Fijian beverages to the world.”

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